What is monkeypox? Two cases of rare viral infection found in the U.K.

In this undated Centers for Disease Control and Prevention handout graphic, symptoms of one of the first known cases of the monkeypox virus in the U.S. are shown on a patient's hand. Recently, two more cases were found in the U.K.

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Public health officials in the U.K. have confirmed two unrelated cases of monkeypox, a rare viral infection.

“This second patient had travelled to Nigeria where they are believed to have acquired the infection,” the statement said. The second case first presented at Blackpool Victoria Hospital and following a positive test result was transferred to Royal Liverpool University Hospital, an expert respiratory infectious disease centre, where they are receiving appropriate care.”

Dr. Nick Phin, deputy director of the national infection service at PHE added in September 2017, Nigera had gone through a “large sustained outbreak” of the rare viral infection.

“Since then sporadic cases have continued to be reported. It is likely that monkeypox continues to circulate in Nigeria and could, therefore, affect travellers who are returning from this part of the world.”

How does it spread?

PHE added the infection doesn’t spread easily between people, and it doesn’t last any longer than a few weeks. And although it is rare, it is even rarer for it to be severe.

“The infection can be spread when someone is in close contact with an infected person; however there is a very low risk of transmission to the general population,” the statement read.

Not only are they reminding the public the overall risk of monkeypox is low, but also the importance for people to monitor their symptoms, if they have any. “We are using strict isolation procedures in hospital to protect our staff and patients.”